Reese Witherspoon On Talking To Her Son About Racism: It’s Not Nearly As Heartbreaking As Being A Victim Of These Senseless Crimes

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon On Talking To Her Son About Racism: It’s Not Nearly As Heartbreaking As Being A Victim Of These Senseless Crimes

Actress Reese Witherspoon is sharing her experience of teaching her seven-year-old son, Tennessee, about racism. The “Little Fires Everywhere” took to Instagram to explain a moment that she had with Tennessee recently, and her struggle to explain why the officers involved in the death of George Floyd would commit such an act. She also revealed how “heartbreaking” it was for her as a white mom to explain to her white son about the racism in this world. Reese Witherspoon writes,

Last night at dinner, my 7-year-old asked why all the grown ups were so upset. We spoke to him about what happened to George Floyd. Being a white mother trying to explain racism and bigotry to her white son, who did not understand why anyone would treat another human being that way, was heartbreaking. But not nearly as heartbreaking as being a victim of one of these senseless, violent, unconscionable crimes. Not nearly as heartbreaking as being one of the families who have experienced loss and harassment and discrimination daily. Not nearly as heartbreaking as being a mother who lives in fear of what will happen to her children in this world.

Reese Witherspoon and her son Tennessee

She continued and said,

I grew up going to church. We were taught that we were all the same in the eyes of God. We all breathe the same air. We all bleed the same blood. But that is not what I grew up seeing. It was as hard for me to reconcile the difference between what I was taught in church and what I see in the world. I don’t want that for my kids. Or for yours.

She went on to reference other headline-making deaths like that of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.

We have to be held accountable for what is happening in this country. What happened to George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery – and countless others – can not go without justice. Please talk to your children about racism, privilege, bigotry and hate. If you aren’t talking to them, someone else is.
Regarding comments: I urge you to share this space for meaningful discussion, not hate. There is enough hate in the world. I hope this can be a space for discussion, understanding, growth and LOVE. We all need more of that.”

Many other non-black celebrities showed their support and took to social media to speak out against the murder of George Floyd such as Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian West, Lady Gaga, and Billie Eilish. See the celeb responses below.

Model Bella Hadid speaks:

Her sister and fellow model Gigi Hadid shares her thoughts.

Actor Ian Somerhalder:

Singer Rita Wilson:

Demi Lovato:

Lady Gaga:

Kim Kardashian West:

Justin Bieber:

Billie Eilish:

Actress Jessica Chastain:

Ariana Grande:

What are your thoughts on Reese Witherspoon and the other celebs responses to the murder of George Floyd? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.